Shaheed Among Absences on Friday

There has been no shortage of injuries for the New Orleans Saints throughout training camp.

The team had at least one new absence in all 17 practices in Irvine, Calif. Not ideal. That trend continued as the team wrapped up their west coast practices. Rookie offensive tackles Taliese Fuaga (back tightness) and Josiah Ezirim (foot) both missed their first practices after sustaining injuries on Thursday.

One surprise absence was wide receiver Rashid Shaheed. The All-Pro and Pro Bowl return specialist had missed time earlier in camp with a hamstring injury, so the first concerns were that the injury may have worsened since his return during Day 15. However, head coach Dennis Allen updated media that it was a “toe and foot” injury that kept the wide receiver out.

Shaheed is solidified as one of the team’s most dynamic threats on offense. His elite speed makes him a consistent candidate to stretch the field for long scores, but his improved route-running and comfort in the offensive system has made him a viable three-level option that can also be added into the run game from time to time. He is a real weapon for this team. 

Seeing that caliber of a playmaker now have two separate injuries keep him out of practice is never a good thing.